Make Your Mark This Summer

Get down to a P1 AquaX event this summer and check out the action! A brand-new style of watercraft competition for sea-riding enthusiasts who want to pull back the throttle and open it up...

Powerboat P1 is the company behind the launch of the AquaX series. The company has a rich history in promoting powerboat racing, which includes hosting over 85 world championship events in their 8 years of business. But after acquiring the rights to the successful Formula Four-Stroke championships in 2009, they turned their attentions to building a low cost, powerboat racing series starting here in the UK. By 2010, the series was rebranded to P1 Superstock, they launched the ‘Grand Prix of the Sea’, a festival of watersports touring high profile venues across the country. This summer the Aqua X championships will join the Grand Prix of the Sea and take its place alongside the Superstock series on the itinerary of events. And as with SuperStock, P1’s interest in watercraft competition is based on building a sport from the ground up, hence AquaX will be unlike any watercraft competition that’s gone before and will be specifically geared towards attracting amateur riders to come along and have a go! And who knows, you just might become the first P1 AquaX champion!

So Whats it all about?

Put quite simply AquaX is an exciting coastal challenge that will offer a completely new experience for watercraft enthusiasts. And unlike other formats where the majority of jetsport racing takes place inland, usually on technical tracks, the events will all take place on the sea. The tracks will be simple and wide open giving competitors a chance to open up their throttles and enjoy the full performance of their craft in a safe and controlled environment. And because of the ever-changing coastal conditions, the rider’s skill will prevail over horsepower, thus creating a level playing fi eld for all.

The competition will consist of two parts. The first discipline – The AquaX Match Racing will take place on Saturdays where competitors will go head to head against their peers in a timed knockout competition.

The Rally races will take place on the Superstock courses on Sunday, and this part of the competition will be all about long distance riding and stamina. The courses will be big, but fun to ride, providing a real sense of achievement for those who complete the task. No need to worry about getting lost, as the tracks will be monitored by a highly trained crew of waterborne marshals ensuring everyone’s safety is paramount. Initially, the Rally will be split into two categories – 200hp and 300hp - to accommodate huge diversity in engine displacements. Two-Stroke craft and naturally aspirated four-stroke craft under 160hp will qualify to compete in the 200hp, whereas the 300hp class will be reserved for the more powerful turbo and supercharged four-strokes of today. All craft may be modified, however four-stroke craft must remain stock as from the manufacturer, with the exception of handling modifications. Full details of the technical rules can be found in the AquaX rulebook available to download at www.p1aquax.com.

On the day, there will be separate winners for the Rally section with the podium finishers taking home a slice of the prize purse. The overall championship titles will to be won by those collecting the most points in both categories - Match and Rally.

The events

As part of the Grand Prix of the Sea, AquaX will take place on the same dates as P1 Superstock Championship. The series will visit high-profile venues across the country from as far south as Plymouth, to Liverpool in the North West offering plenty of entertainment for both spectators and competitors.

Besides the racing, the P1 Marine village will act as the event’s information hub, offering the best view over the racetrack, supported by local trade stands and entertainment. Between events the P1 Freestyle display team will provides on water excitement, and experience and demo rides will also be offered.

Match racing

Match racing is all about rider skill and concentration under pressure. It’s quick fi re so competitors need quick reactions and good technique to survive the elimination rounds. It’s a wonderful spectacle for the watching public who can fully appreciate the format and excitement of the competition. The format is simple; each racer will be teamed with another to negotiate identical courses against the clock. Both racers will then complete one circuit of each track and the rider with the fastest time will qualify through to the next round. The slower of the two will be knocked out.

The winner of the event will be awarded pole position in the AquaX Rally, and also collect valuable points towards the end of the season championships.

Rally racing

Rally Racing is all about endurance and reading the waters ahead. It’s a test of both the rider’s stamina and reliability of his/her equipment, and because there is little or no contact, it is appealing to a large number of watercraft enthusiasts.

Rally racing will suit sea riders who are used to the changing conditions of coastal waters, perhaps more than fl at-water riders from the inland lakes. But don’t be put off, because riding on the sea is a great adventure, and challenging too. And don’t forget today’s craft are built for the purpose.

The format is very straightforward, riders will compete head-to-head, around a designated course for a set length of time announced in the race instructions. A rolling start will commence the races, with the match-race winner, of the day before, claiming pole position. The winner will be the rider to negotiate the course in the fast time, with the least time penalties.

What to do next

If after reading the article you want to make your mark this summer, the AquaX series will certainly offer you plenty of excitement and adventure. It will also give you the opportunity to meet like-minded enthusiasts from all over the country and experience different riding locations. Before you sign up, take a minute to look through P1’s rider check list.

Check list

• Check out the AquaX website
• Get RYA trained
• Sign up for a P1 Open Day
• Enrol in the AquaX race training course
• Apply for an RYA licence
• Enter AquaX
• Receive race instructions

AquaX website

The P1 AquaX website site will act the central hub for all AquaX event information so make sure you sign up to AquaX alerts and bookmark it in your web browser. www.p1aquax.com

RYA Training

P1 fully endorse the RYA and PWP’s initiative to keep waters open and provide safe riding areas for watercraft enthusiasts. P1 insist as a prerequisite to entering any AquaX event that all riders should have passed the RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency Course. The certificate ensures a level of skill and control has been reached by the rider, and a basic knowledge of costal marks and chart reading learned. For more information on the RYA PWC competency course visit the RYA website www.rya.org.uk.

P1 AquaX Open days

Over the next few months P1 will be organising several AquaX open days at venues around the country. The days will be free of charge and aim to answer any questions you have about the series. AquaX race training courses will also be offered and riders signing up for the entire series will be able take advantage of the Free Training offer.

P1 AquaX race training

All AquaX competitors will need to take the AquaX race training course before entering into an AquaX event.

The course will consist of classroom and practical examination; teaching the riders the rules and regulations of the series i.e. explaining flag rules, course design, buoy colour, launching and start procedures, passing and lapping etiquette, and duty of care etc.

Due to the time scale and environment of the AquaX events all race training will need to take place before arriving at the event. Dates and times to be confirm – please check the AquaX website for details.

RYA Powerboat Racing Licence

Like all watercraft competition entrants will need to apply for an RYA Powerboat Licence. The licence provides competitors with 3rd party insurance whilst racing. However it does not cover personal injury or accident. To qualify for a licence riders will need to undergo a basic medical examination, details of the medical examination are listed on the RYA Licence form which can be downloaded from the AquaX website.

The medical can either be done by your own doctor, and sometimes by an RYA doctor on the day of the event.

Entry

All entry forms must be submitted with the appropriate fee by the entry dead line as described on the entry forms.

Race instruction

3 weeks before the event competitors will receive the P1 AquaX Race-instruction document. The document includes all information pertaining to the individual events. i.e itinerary, map courses and general rules and regulations of the weekend’s proceedings. The Race Instruction will also be available for download on the AquaX website.

Five Minuites with Robert Wicks - Chief Operating Officer Of P1

Can you tell us why has P1 decided to enter into the watercraft-racing scene?

Watercraft are a perfect fit with our existing activities. It’s an accessible format, very underdeveloped, but has huge potential given the right platform.

What do you think P1 can offer the sport?

Powerboat P1 is a professional operation; our London based team has a wealth of experience in sports marketing, PR, logistics and event management. We can offer a professional platform on which to promote the sport and our industry-based partners, such as BRP who recently teamed up with us to supply Evinrude outboards for the P1 Superstock series.

What is P1’s long term plans for the AquaX series?

Initially we want to prove the model here in the UK, like we have done with the P1 Superstock series. Then we will roll the series out internationally, expanding into new markets. Eventually evolving AquaX into a professional sport into multiple countries.

Questions answered

What type of craft do I need?

AquaX is for sitdown (2-3 seater) craft only. Are there different classes and what are the rules? This is a brand new event the rules will remain quite simple for the first season. The main objective is to attract as many people to come out and have some fun. We understand there is also a big difference in engine displacement. In the first year we are offering two classes; up to 200hp for two-strokes and naturally aspirated four-strokes, and 300hp for turbo and supercharged four-strokes. For specific rules please visit the AquaX website.

Who can enter?

AquaX is open to everyone, men or women. You can apply for your licence immediately, as long as you’re over 17 years of age and have passed the RYA PWC competency test.

Do I need racing experience to get involved?

No racing experience needed. AquaX is a new series, beginners will be initially classified as amateurs.

I am an experienced racer, can I still enter?

Yes, you will be classified as an Elite racer, please visit the AquaX website for details.

Where do I take the training course?

Over the next couple of months P1 will be on the road hosting AquaX open days to promote the series and to provide training to potential competitors. The course will include general racing rules, such as flags, communication, start procedures etc. Dates and venues to be confirmed.

What type of rider is AquaX targeted at?

The AquaX series is all about offering watercraft enthusiasts, especially recreational riders from coastal clubs and inland lakes, the opportunity to do something different on their weekends. We provide the platform and insurance, all you have to do is sign up and make your mark.

What are the differences between AquaX and the JSRA National Championships?

Both organisations are sanctioned by the RYA and share the same licencing structure, which are interchangeable between championships. But that’s the only connection. AquaX has it own set of rules with the events being held on larger open water tracks.

How will it work?

The AquaX series will support the Superstock powerboat racing series at P1 Grand Prix of the Sea events. There will be two sections to AquaX competition - Rally and Match racing. Competitors will be required to take part in all 5 events to be eligible of winning the series title. If competitors can’t complete all 5 rounds, an event licence is available for individual rounds.

Will AquaX use the same course as the (SuperStock) powerboats?

The AquaX Rally will use part of the SuperStock course, in some circumstances AquaX may use the entire course, but conditions on the day will be the overall decider.

How long will the AquaX races be?

The AquaX Match racing will take part on the Saturday, the event will be knockout competition, so it’ll be up to the rider and how long he/she stays out on the water for. The AquaX Rallies will take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Refueling will not be allowed so make sure before you sign up that your craft has the capability of running the distance on one tank.

How often throughout the weekend do we get to race?

The events will kick off on Saturday with official practice. This will give you a chance to familiarise yourself with the track and surrounding environment. Then the match racing will start.

On Sunday a quick morning warm up will be followed by the first rally of the weekend. A break for lunch and a refuel then it’s back out for Rally Two. In between the AquaX races you can get to watch the Superstock drivers carving up the course.

For more info Contact Aqua Cross at info@powerboatp1.com